The Stettler Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) has confirmed that the U18 B matchup against the 3’C’s Coyotes on March 5 was held behind closed doors, with a complete ban on fan attendance.
The decision came after a highly contentious game between the two rivals in Consort on March 1, which ended in a 7-6 victory for the Coyotes.
The 3’Cs Coyotes then held on to take a 5-4 win in Stettler on March 5, without fans in the Blue arena at the S-R-C.
League officials cited a spike in infractions under Hockey Canada’s Rule 11 (Maltreatment) as the primary reason for the measure.
This is the “zero tolerance” rule that has been heavily enforced across Alberta, covering verbal abuse directed at officials or players.
Often, if a previous game between two teams resulted in a near-riot or official abuse, the minor hockey board will proactively ban fans for the rematch to avoid a league-enforced suspension.
Stettler Minor Hockey Association President Reid Smith confirmed to Hometown Media Stettler that the league strongly suggested no one attend the game due to heightened tensions between both teams & spectators in the stands.
Broadcast Options
While the stands will remain empty, the game was accessible to the public via LiveBarn.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
